“Julius Lucius Brenchley was a 19th century English explorer. Born in Maidstone, Kent, he was what was called a ‘Gentleman Explorer’. Travelling the globe in search of knowledge and adventure he sent many artefacts from his travels home which are now on display in Maidstone museum. During his travels, Brenchley visited every continent except Antarctica. He was especially active in the South Seas.
Julius Lucius Brenchley of Maidstone spent much of Queen Victoria’s reign exploring the world in his tireless search for knowledge.
Julius’ life was shaped by his ‘passionate love of wandering’. Born at Kingsley House, Maidstone on 30th November 1816, and educated at Maidstone Grammar School and Cambridge, he was all set for a life in the Church, having been ordained at Holy Trinity, Maidstone in 1843. However, in 1845, his father persuaded Julius to accompany him on a European tour, Julius was bitten by the tavel bug, and from 1845-1867 he travelled the world, collecting, recording and sending material home. He was a passionate collector of art, ethonography and natural history. Brenchley died aged only 56, on February 24th 1873 in a Folkestone Hotel, and is buried in the family vaults at All Saint, Maidstone.
Brenchley Is acredited to writing at least two books “jottings during the cruise of HMS Curacoa among the south sea islands in 1865″ “A journey to great salt lake city”